<p>About the Job</p> <p>Summary: The Researcher-5 will lead the effort and collaborate with students and faculty in developing nanoparticle-enhanced protein misfolding seed amplification assays for early, noninvasive diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease).</p> <p>60% - Leading the research related to the applications of nanotechnology (gold & silica nanoparticles), microfluidics, and fluorescence spectroscopies for seed amplification assays. Develop optimal protocols that leverage the unique optical and electrostatic properties of nanoparticles (size range below 100 nm) in protein-misfolding amplification assays in microfluidic environments. Acquire and analyze time-resolved spectral data from these assays. Authoring or co-authoring, or otherwise collaborating on reports, conference papers and publications. Delivering technical presentations. Writing grant proposals.</p> <p>20% - Leading the research activities related to the funded project(s) within the research group and across collaborators (Mayo Clinic, NIH), mentoring junior research assistants, training them for nanoparticle-enhanced RT-QuIC assays, project-status reporting.</p> <p>20% - Leading the effort to mentor students, preparing bibliographies, abstracting, editing, keeping records, etc. Other duties as assigned.</p> <p>Required Qualifications: PhD or similar terminal degree in Physics (preferred), Materials Science, Electrical Engineering or related area with one or more years of research training. Experience in molecular biology, protein misfolding diseases, RT-QuIC.</p> <p>Qualifications</p> <p>Required Qualifications: PhD or similar terminal degree in Physics (preferred), Materials Science, Electrical Engineering or related area with one or more years of research training. Experience in molecular biology, protein misfolding diseases, RT-QuIC.</p> <p>About the Department</p> <p>The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is one of the largest departments within the College of Science and Engineering. Current research areas include Biomedical and Biological Computation Methods; Devices and Systems; Communications, Signal Processing, and Networking; Computer Engineering, VLSI, and Circuits; Fields, Photonics, and Magnetics; Micro and Nano Structures; Sustainable Energy Systems, Power Electronics and Drives; Systems and Controls. To learn more about the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Minnesota, please visit the department website.</p> <p>Pay and Benefits</p> <p>Fixed Pay Rate: $75,000</p> <p>Time Appointment Category: 75%-100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 100% appointment.)</p> <p>Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff</p> <p>Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.</p> <p>The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:</p> <ul> <li>Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off </li><li>Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program </li><li>Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans </li><li>Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts </li><li>University HSA contributions </li><li>Disability and employer-paid life insurance </li><li>Employee wellbeing program </li><li>Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution </li><li>Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity </li><li>Financial counseling services </li><li>Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost </li><li>Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area </li></ul> <p>How To Apply</p> <p>Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.</p> <p>Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.</p> <p>To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.</p> <p>Diversity</p> <p>The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.</p> <p>The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu</p> <p>Employment Requirements</p> <p>Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.</p> <p>About the U of M</p> <p>The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)</p> <p>The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.</p> <p>At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).</p>